TAS FIELD SCHOOL 2017

If any of you have tried to access the Texas Archeological Society (TAS) website to find information about the 2017 TAS Field School that is coming up June 10 - 17, you will have discovered that the site is no longer being updated as a new website is under construction and set to go online shortly. However, we want all our HAS members to have as much information about Field School as possible so we have posted the registration forms on our website at www.txhas.org. Click on the 2017 TAS Field School tab. Here’s what we know so far.

This year, the Texas Archeological Society (TAS) annual summer Field School will be held at Mission San Lorenzo de la Cruz in beautiful Real County. The primary Field School excavation area will at the Spanish Mission in Camp Wood on Texas State Highway 55, 40 miles north of Uvalde. Barksdale and the TAS campground are only three miles north the mission.

The field school campground will be in Barksdale, south of the Nueces Canyon High School. The camp area is on the north bank of the Nueces River in a lovely location on private land generously provided for TAS use. The river runs cool and clear adjacent to our campground so bring your swim suit, fishing pole, and lawn chairs to relax in the shallow water. There is no potable water or electricity in the tent area but portable toilets and a trash container will be on site. Tent camping and pop-up campers are encouraged.

Other lodging options are available locally including RV parks in the Camp Wood and Barksdale area. Please make your reservations early, as this part of the Nueces is popular in the summer months. TAS will be offering breakfast and supper as always and will utilize the Mary B. Powers Hall as well as our usual cook’s trailer. Shower facilities will be provided in the local school. The dining and program areas as well as the school are a short walk from the campground. Water and ice will be available in this location also.

The field school will conduct excavations at the Spanish colonial mission in conjunction with the Texas Tech University student field school under Dr. Tamra Walter. If you are a TAS member, take a look at the TAS Winter newsletter for her article on the Mission excavation project. The TAS survey crews will be working to identify and record sites on several beautiful ranches in the area.

Other activities include evening lectures, workshops, Archeolympics, and of course the Wally margarita party featuring live music. A 1.5-hour metal detecting class will also be sponsored by the Education Committee. Also, teachers receive CPE credit hours for most Field School activities including afternoon and evening programs (contact Robin Matthews, Education Committee Chairman, for more information). As always, during one evening of field school, the TAS will host an artifact identification night and public presentation for the local community.
Please see the upcoming new TAS website for what to expect in camp, a general daily schedule, recommended equipment for camp and field activities, camp rules, registration, and additional Field School information as it becomes available.